Anyone agree this game's maybe more important to Barnsley FC then Swansea?

Obviously I'm (we're) biased but I mean in terms of the clubs' short-term futures and I say that because:

If we lose, I suspect our squad will disintegrate with losing players like McPhail, whom I suspect at our level is nearly irreplaceable. We'll have to start all over again pretty much and we aint got a lot of cash. The play-off money will help but it's really just wiping out some of our debts. I'm sure the club would work hard and do their best to sign some decent players and push next season, but as we're a few weeks behind it'd be tough. Plus look at Donny spending money, there's Forest, Bristol, Udders and that who'll be strong next year.

For Swansea, they're quite well off financially and will probably still have the core of their squad left next season - with Trundle and Knight still there they've always got a chance.

Maybe I'm talking ballax, but it really is a HUGE game for us.

 

I don't think McPhail is irreplaceable

He's had his best season for us but there are numerous midfield players out there that score more goals, set-up more goals or protect the back 4 better than McPhail. He's a good player but he's not irreplaceable.

 

RE: I don't think McPhail is irreplaceable

same here. he's not that effective. i think brian howard has influenced more games than him this season

 

I suspect

your mate will have at least one offer from a Championship club if we dont go up.

 

My sentiments entirely.

http://www.barnsleyfc.org.uk/bbs/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=31731&mid=194844#M194844

 

He'll be irreplaceable if he does go, becasue we'll recieve £0

not alot of money to replace him with

Gordan Shepherd could be in for alot of critisism regarding this contract farce, i just hope he knows what hes doing becasue imagine losing Mcphail, Colgan, Hassell, Shuker, Reid for £0, great business

 

No your not talking spherical objects

I feel this is like a crossroads for us. If we go up we keep the good players, maybe sign a few more and probably establish ourselves as a Championship side.</p>

If we don't, there'll be a partial breakup of the side we may not do as well and the moronic element of our support, you know the ones who slagged Ritchie earlier in the season but are now praising him, will hound Andy out. </p>

That would surely be folly.</p>

Dave</p>

 

RE: No your not talking spherical objects

balls to losing the team if we lose....we're gonna cardiff all talk of what if and maybes ends until around 6pm on may 27th COME ON YOU REDS

 

I think you are probably right.

We've been at a low point in our recent history...this is hopefully the start of us rejuvenating.

For Swansea they were promoted last season, so this season is probably exceeding their expectations to challenge for a 2nd successive promotion, and it wouldn't be so much a failure for them not to go up.

Both clubs though will want promotion as much as the other and it will mean so much to both sets of fans.

Hope we can have a friendly relationship with the opposition fans both before and after the game as we did at Wembley with Ipswich.

 

for what it's worth

I've given a great deal of thought to the McPhail situation and(at the risk of getting lamblasted) I do think that we would not miss him if Ritchie was to replace him with an alternative,experienced,attacking midfielder who could create. Perhaps someone in a higher division who is in the final years of playing career and the addition of a good old experienced striker.

 

agreed, i really hope we have the friendly atmosphere we had with the ispwich fans down at cardiff it makes the day even better!

 

ROFL

In my experience it is not possible to have a "friendly relationship" with Welsh football fans (or should I rephrase that "fans of Welsh football clubs" before my Swansea-born sister-in-law has me lynched).

You know the sort of thing to expect, a friendly exchange of punches here and there, bit of banter with a bottle in the back of the head and so on.

From what I hear, Swansea make Cardiff's lot look like angels.

 

End of the day

If we don't go up, very few of our players will get a better offer than staying with a top-6 League One club.

If we do go up, we need to shift some players to free up wages for strengthening. There is no-one in our squad I wouldn't be happy to lose if we go up. As a Championship outfit, we'll be able to attract players of, at the very least, similar calibre.

 

I am afraid you are right

Much as I would love the day in Cardiff to be like Wembley.
Swansea fans are very different to Ipswich fans.

I think its a south Wales thing. Wrexham are not so bad.
And the half a dozen fans here in Aberystwyth are a real laugh!!

 

I see it like this:
Cardiff and Swansea have history.
Cardiff and Barnsley have history
Swansea have anti English tendancies
Cod heads hate Barnsley.

Freindly indeed.

 

RE: I don't think McPhail is irreplaceable

I agree with the pair of you. He's played more games than Howard yet scored less goals. Therefore, Howard is better.